Offered here is a lovely 1908 London Olympic Games silver participation medal. The Games of the IV Olympiad were originally scheduled to take place in Rome but were relocated for financial reason. Lasting 187 days these Games were the longest in modern Olympic history. Designed by Bertram Mackennal and minted by Vaughton & Sons (Birmingham England) participation medals were struck in silver-gilt silver bronze and metal. The silver-gilt silver and bronze medals were offered to the officials and those who did not compete.

This silver version measures 50 mm and 3-4 mm thick weighing 62 grams. The obverse depicts a Greek four-horsed chariot with two men (the driver and the judge) about to award the victory palm to the winning athlete. The reverse features a winged Fame standing on a globe between legend between two raised relief inscriptions: "In Commemoration of the Olympic Games held in London 1908" on the right and "Elis Athens Paris St. Louis London" on the left to denote the order of host cities to that point. Designer noted on both sides: "BM" on bottom of obverse and "B.Mackennal" on bottom of reverse. Minter "Vaughton" inscribed on the upper edge. Presents in NM condition with light wear and light tarnishing. Comes with an original blue presentation case (a rarity that adds even more value) lined in purple velvet. The outside of the case is inscribed "British Olympic Council 1908" in gold.